Themes Gleaming Darkly Part 4 - Process

In writing Futures Gleaming Darkly, I feel that I developed a process for myself to help with fighting writer's block and distractions. My writing thesis for FGD was to complete each story in one sitting. Although it took me about a year of writing and revising, sometimes I could get the rough draft of two or three stories in a long weekend.

This may not work for everyone, but maybe you'll find something useful!

1. Go to the bathroom.

Even if you think you don't have to, the moment you get into a groove, nature will call.

2. Get beverages and snacks.

Personally, I would have a coffee and a water at hand, maybe something crunchy. When you find yourself stuck you can take a microbreak, crunch on some chips, take a sip of coffee and feel rejuvenated.

3. Get comfortable

Much like reading, writing in any position will probably get uncomfortable after a few minutes. I like to sit cross-legged with my laptop, but find that if I do it for too long my hips get sore. Pillows and blankets always help any seat be more comfortable.

Under this same thought, what you're wearing can also effect your comfort. I'm a basketball shorts and tank top person because I get hot easily, but if you love fuzzy sweaters or if you even want to write naked, you do you!

This is even to say you feel comfortable writing at home. Maybe you're a coffee shop, B&N kinda writer and that's good to know!

4. Don't look back (yet)

In writing a first draft, just write. You can proofread and edit later. I like to think of it as carving wood or stone. Your blank page is a giant cube of marble. Smash it up and take big chunks to get down to what you want. You can do the fluff and add those great details afterward. But even better than a physical craft, you can always add back some "stone" after the fact.

5. Kick that baby bird out of the nest

It's easy to be self-conscious about your writing. You might think it's dumb or not good at all.

But your readers won't.

When you're done with your rough draft, send it to a trusted friend. Have them give you their opinion. The cement hasn't dried, as it were, so you can always take their suggestions and adjust your work. Or you could find that you disagree with it and you actually cared more about your piece than you thought you did.

Hopefully this helps you get some writing done. And remember, your writing is for you. Write what you want when you want. There's no set schedule and it's not a race. Experiment and find what works for you.